Abuja – Thousands of job seekers panicked in Nigeria during a government recruitment exercise at the national stadium in the capital and the stampede on Saturday resulted in the death of seven people.
Survivors who spoke after the incident narrated how thousands had gathered to apply for jobs with the immigration department in the Abuja stadium.
According to one witness the stampede began as applicants surged towards the central stage.
Only one entrance to the giant 60 000 seater stadium was open so everyone tried to get in at the same time.
“The immigration service was having a recruitment exercise at the stadium … there was a stampede and they brought the victims to the national hospital,” said hospital spokesman Tayo Haastrup.
Nigerian officials have not issued an official casualty list but it is expected that many sustained injuries.
Those with stable injuries “will be sent to other hospitals so that we can deal with the numerous injured that continue to arrive,” said Haastrup.
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